U.S. Deeply Disturbed by Court Ruling in Sudan Apostasy Case

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

Marie Harf

Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 15, 2014

We are deeply disturbed over the sentencing today of Meriam Yahya Ibrahim Ishag to death by hanging for apostasy. We are also deeply concerned by the flogging sentence for adultery. We understand that the court sentence can be appealed.

We continue to call upon the Government of Sudan to respect the right to freedom of religion, a right which is enshrined in Sudan's own 2005 Interim Constitution as well as international human rights law.

We call on the Sudanese legal authorities to approach this case with the compassion that is in keeping with the values of the Sudanese people.